Predictions for the 2nd round of Serie A, August 29-31
Cremonese vs Sassuolo
Both teams played in Serie B last season and are now facing the same challenge – to stay in the top flight. However, their start to the championship has been vastly different. Cremonese caused an upset by defeating Milan away (2:1), while Sassuolo couldn't put up a fight against the reigning champions, Napoli, at home (0:2). For the "grey-reds," the victory over the "Rossoneri" was a significant psychological boost, making them the favorites for the upcoming match. It's also important to note that last season Cremonese did not lose in head-to-head matches: a draw at home (1:1) and a resounding victory away (4:1). All this makes the hosts clear contenders for points in the second round.
Match Prediction Cremonese vs Sassuolo: Home win with a handicap (0)
Lecce vs Milan
Milan greatly disappointed their fans in the first round. The team, which completely revamped its coaching staff and invested heavily in transfers over the summer, sensationally lost at home to Serie A newcomers Cremonese (1:2). Yes, the "Rossoneri" created numerous chances in front of the opponent's goal, with an xG metric suggesting at least two goals, but their finishing let them down. Clearly, there's a lack of cohesion. Against this backdrop, Lecce has an excellent opportunity not only to challenge but also to secure points in the home match. Moreover, the "Salentians" look solid in defense and have only once lost by more than one goal in official matches since February.
Match Prediction Lecce vs Milan: Home win with a handicap (+1.5)
Bologna vs Como
Como has ambitious goals this season, and the team is showing readiness to achieve them. The "Larians" started the championship impressively, confidently defeating Lazio 2:0 and outperforming their renowned opponent in all game aspects. The "Red-Blues," on the other hand, are not impressive at all – for the second season in a row, the club is selling off key players, which inevitably affects the results. Last weekend, Bologna tried to stand their ground against Roma, but the difference in class was evident (0:1). In the upcoming match, Como does not look like an easy opponent and is quite capable of creating serious problems for the hosts.
Match Prediction Bologna vs Como: Visitors will not lose
Parma vs Atalanta
Atalanta started the season unconvincingly: at home, the Bergamaschi couldn't defeat the newly promoted Pisa (1:1) – and they had to come from behind during the match. Such a result can hardly be called a coincidence – the appointment of Ivan Jurić as head coach still raises many questions, considering that his previous projects in Roma and Southampton ended in failure. It's logical to expect that the team in Bergamo will not immediately find stability. Parma, despite losing in the first round to Juventus (0:2), on their home turf, is capable of putting up a fight.
Match Prediction for Parma vs Atalanta: The Hosts Will Not Lose
Napoli vs Cagliari
Matches against Cagliari have always been favorable for Napoli. It was the "islanders" that the "partenopei" defeated in the final round of last season (2:0), which allowed them to secure the championship. Antonio Conte's squad has confidently started the new Serie A season: in the first round, they easily defeated Sassuolo away (2:0), further confirming the club's serious intentions to defend the title. Cagliari, on the other hand, looked unconvincing. In the match against Fiorentina, the team only managed to salvage a draw in the 90+4 minute (1:1), despite formally having the upper hand in play. While the "islanders" might still cling to points at home, their prospects look bleak away against the reigning champions.
Match Prediction for Napoli vs Cagliari: Home Win with Handicap (-1.5)
Pisa vs Roma
The schedule is clearly not sparing Pisa. In the first round, the team had to travel to Bergamo to face last season's Serie A bronze medalist, Atalanta, and now they are set to play at home against Gian Piero Gasperini's revamped Roma. However, the newcomer to the elite was not fazed at all: in their debut match, the team surprised by drawing with the Bergamaschi (1:1). The "Wolves" started the season with a victory over Bologna (1:0), but their performance was not convincing: despite a clear superiority in class, they scored only one goal against a disorganized opponent. Against this backdrop, the "black and blues," playing with the support of their home crowd and having a positive emotional boost after a successful match against Atalanta, are quite capable of putting up a fight and complicating the task for the capital club.
Match Prediction for Pisa vs Roma: Home Win with Handicap (+1.5)
Genoa vs Juventus
Juventus has made a successful start to the new championship: on their home ground, the "Old Lady" confidently defeated Parma (2:0), immediately dispelling the unpleasant memories of last season, when they failed to secure a single victory over the "Crusaders" (2:2 at home and 0:1 away). Now the challenge intensifies – an away trip to Genoa lies ahead. The "Griffins" are known for their disciplined defensive play and ability to stifle matches. On their home turf, they deprive top clubs of their usual space, turning every play into hard work. Combined with the fact that Juventus themselves have not been known for high scoring in recent years, expecting a goal fest in the upcoming match is clearly unrealistic.
Match Prediction for Genoa vs Juventus: Total Under 2.5 Goals
Torino vs Fiorentina
Torino started the new season with an unpleasant defeat. Marco Baroni's team, tasked with restructuring the "Bulls'" play towards a more attacking style, crumbled under the onslaught of Inter and concede five unanswered goals (0:5). Moreover, some of Torino's goals were largely "self-inflicted": players lost possession while trying to play out from the back with short passes right near their penalty area. For the new coach, this is a signal that the team's restructuring will be accompanied by serious difficulties. Fiorentina might take advantage of this.
Prediction for the Torino vs Fiorentina match: victory for the visitors with a (0) handicap
Inter vs Udinese
Inter started the new season with the aim of redeeming themselves after last year's failures, when the team ended without trophies, although they seriously contended for the treble and fell just one point behind Napoli in the league. In the first round, the "Nerazzurri" made a loud statement by thrashing Torino (5:0). Yes, the statistics did not quite reflect such a scoreline, but Inter's superiority was undeniable, and the victory was absolutely deserved. In the second round, the team has an excellent opportunity to build on their success. The opponent is Udinese, considered a favorable matchup for the Milanese. The Milan team has won the last six head-to-head encounters against the "Little Zebras," often doing so confidently.
Prediction for the Inter vs Udinese match: victory for the hosts with a (-1) handicap
Lazio vs Verona
The new season promises to be challenging for Lazio. The team has been in a slump for a while, and a transfer ban prevents them from fully strengthening the squad and competing for European spots. The first round only confirmed these concerns: the "Eagles" tamely lost to Como (0:2), showing almost nothing on the field. In the second round, the opponent is formally weaker – Verona. The game will take place in Rome with the support of the home crowd, which should help the hosts. However, an easy walk should not be expected. The "Mastiffs" have repeatedly proven that they can challenge top clubs, capitalize on opponents' mistakes, and score even from unlikely situations.
